Creating a new tool to quickly diagnose oral diseases using dental plaque samples

Development of an Integrated Dental Plaque Bioanalytical Platform for Point-of-Care Diagnostics of Oral Diseases

['FUNDING_R21'] · OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11118374

This study is testing a new, easy-to-use tool that checks dental plaque for early signs of cavities by measuring certain substances made by mouth bacteria, helping patients quickly understand their oral health and take action to prevent tooth decay.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorOREGON STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CORVALLIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11118374 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a user-friendly biosensing platform that can analyze dental plaque samples to detect early signs of dental caries. By measuring the levels of hydrogen peroxide and lactic acid produced by bacteria in the mouth, the platform aims to provide immediate feedback on oral health. Patients will benefit from a quick and accurate method for assessing their risk of dental decay, potentially leading to timely preventive measures. The approach involves innovative electrochemical sensors that can analyze small samples of dental plaque.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for dental caries, including those with a history of dental decay or poor oral hygiene.

Not a fit: Patients with no natural teeth or those who do not produce dental plaque may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of dental caries, reducing the need for more extensive and costly treatments.

How similar studies have performed: Similar research has shown promise in using biosensing techniques for diagnosing other health conditions, indicating potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

CORVALLIS, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.